Solar DC & 12V Pumps

Over the years we have tested and evaluated the staying power and effectiveness
of many DC 12V and 24 Volt pumps and one thing we've constantly noticed
is that no matter what type of pump you buy, these 12V pumps are not going
to give you years of service so buy a good cheap one!

When I say cheap I don't mean some ebay special deal on a pump made in some
far away country without care for product consistency I mean buy a good
quality pond pump that doesn't cost too much because you will be buying
replacements every 3 to 9 months of continuos usage.

If someone gives you
a one year warranty then you might want to take a closer look because the
pumps we use have a 3 month and 6 month warranty. That may not sound good...but
that is the reality of solar dc systems as the current technology exists.
Up until now most DC air pumps and battery powered DC compressors had limited
reliability. Most DC pumps we've seen offer a 3 to 6 month warranty and
if you don't know exactly what you're doing as far as setting up your solar
aeration system you can quickly burn out your motor.

We have finally found a commercial-grade line of pumps that come with a
one-year warranty and these diaphragm, linear air compressors are easy to
service and provide long lasting battery or DC current performance. These
commercial-grade DC air compressors offer superb performance and durability.

It's not always possible
to run some 14/3 gauge wire down from the nearest hydroelectric pole across
a field into a valley and around a gully to reach a pond to power a pond
aerator. A windmill is nice if you have wind but when that isn't the case
the only option is to build a solar aerator. Often, as many of our friends
know by looking on the Internet, a solar aeration system that has any
sort of potential for long-lasting sustainabilty is going to cost upwards
of $5000 and beyond. At that price I know a lot of pond owners who would
rather blow bubbles into their pond through straws while canoeing to keep
the fish alive and algae down.

Typical applications include live fish transport on trucks or fishing
boats; however, they can also be used in emergency or solar-powered situations.
The simple design of these DC air pumps makes them easy to maintain and
repair (oilless, easily accessible brushes and diaphragm).

25
Watt & 80 Watt
DC Air PumpsPrice
Includes USA ShippingThese direct current air pumps both come with
12" pigtails for connection to your battery or solar electrical system.
Also includes 6" of outlet hose (3/8" ID) and a plastic manifold.
More
info

80
Watt DC Air CompressorPrice
Includes USA ShippingThese 12V workhorses have proven to be the
most reliable pumps we've used. These high-flow, high-pressure compressors
come with 9" pigtail wiring for quick connection to your your battery
or current controller. Each one includes 2 feet of 3/8" ID outlet
hose and an air inlet filter. They are oilless with ball bearing construction
and low amperage draw. More
info

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Pigtail wires for
connection to your battery or DC configuration included. 60 LPM and 100
LPM models include either plastic or steel housing cases and do not require
additional housing for outdoor use. 30 LPM unit has no housing and must
be enclosed for outdoor use but this 30 LPM unit includes a lighter adapter
to fit into car lighter plugs as well as pigtail wires.

Running an air pump off a car battery is a much cheaper option and while
I am not a solar aeration engineer I know that a cheap direct current
air pump or diaphragm compressor can be bought for very cheap. Now I know
that an expert in solar panels and off-the-grid engineering could explain
what sort of linear current booster is needed to correctly match the starting
amperage and running amps of the pump but I can't even come close to understanding
let alone explaining.

I know one thing though.
A Direct Current 12 Volt air pump or air compressor will run off of a
battery; a deep cycle battery, car battery or boat battery but of what
sort brand or amp hour rating I couldn't tell you. All I can do is review
the solar air pumps we've used and heard about over the years and offer
some good, cheap pumps for you all who know what sort of solar panel setup
and current booster is required to make it work.

Other
High Rated and Reviewed Solar & DC Air Pumps
Over the years we have tested and evaluated the staying power and effectiveness
of many DC 12V and 24 Volt pumps and one thing we've constantly noticed
is that no matter what type of pump you buy, these 12V pumps are not going
to give you years of service so buy a good cheap one!

When I say cheap I don't mean some ebay special deal on a pump made in some
far away country without care for product consistency I mean buy a good
quality pond pump that doesn't cost too much because you will be buying
replacements every 3 to 9 months of continuos usage. If someone gives you
a one year warranty then you might want to take a closer look because the
pumps we use have a 3 month and 6 month warranty. That may not sound good...but
that is the reality of solar dc systems as the current technology exists.

Thomas Industries - Thomas DC Pumps Reviews
Thomas 5010 Air Pump - Thomas Diaphragm Pump 5002 VD BLDC - Thomas 5010
VD DC - Decent Pumps but higher than desired burnout rate and some issues
in consistent pump construction. The 5010 series is in the range of 0.09
CFM @ 2.9 PSI which is barely enough to function a single small airstone
and we found that parameter least pleasant. The Thomas 12 Volt 1/10hp Air
Pump is similar; a good product.

Thomas 007 & 008 Series Air Pumps - Very good pressure delivering over
20 PSI and 0.6 CFM make this series decent but again the units we've seen
featured in systems cooked too quick.

Thomas 907 and 2907 Series Air Compressors - These are good quality but
high priced and again the inconsistency of the units makes us a bit nervous
but the fact they can deliver 3.2 CFM and 14 PSI make this little grinders
seem like a good deal if you can buy a few when they fry.

Solar powered
aeration systems for remote ponds and lakes where power is not available,
too expensive, or if you are off grid. Where a windmill isn't viable
the solar direct systems, requiring no batteries, are also an environmentally
conscious solution.

These plug and play solar systems come complete with high efficiency
solar panels, energy efficient compressor, high volume cooling fans,
fully adjustable manifold housed in weatherprrof ventilated cabinet.
Diffusers are micro-bubble technology, self-cleaning, non-clogging
membrane diffusers emit millions of tiny bubbles that increase dissolved
oxygen levels while eliminating stratification, improving water
quality and clarity. The systems are available as solar direct systems
with 12 volt direct current pumps or as a hybrid solar/ac system
that will operate with solar power when possible but will automatically
switch to AC power when there is not enough sunlight to operate
the DC pump.

Battery Free
operation. We have eliminated the expense of rechargeable batteries
and charge controllers by offering a direct drive (DD) aeration
system. This reduces your cost along with the maintenance issues
associated with a lot of extra components. Each system includes
2 panels with aluminum mounting brackets and adjustable pole bracket
with variable angle configuration, compressor(s), an OWS DD solar
controller module, heavy duty steel cabinet with locks, mounting
pole, solar power disconnect switch, cooling fans, pressure gauge
and a pressure relief valve. Each DD solar aerator can be operated
by itself and totally independent of other aeration systems or it
can be combined with a windmill aeration system to give you a longer
operating time each day. It can also be combined with an electric
aerator or windmill and electric aerator combo.

220-amp hour 6-volt battery $130 -$360 depending on quality
Air compressor $300 - $2500 depending on durability and included components
Control regulator and LVD $250 - $800 depending on quality and durability
1/2 inch air line (weighted) $120 - $250 depending on length and flexibility
and memory of material
Air diffuser $65-$500 depends on size and water volume moved

Of course, the mountings for panels, enclosures for batteries and compressor
can be purchased from your local dealer. The system can be permanently located
at the site or mounted on a trailer for easy relocation if livestock or
cattle or involved. While pond aeration systems are usually maintained on
site the winter watering systems are known for being moved from pond to
pond.

A linear current
booster is required to combine the solar direct power from the panels to
the DC powered pump and this is usually a simple system that can be picked
up at a local supplier of parts designed for alternative power sources.

Your typical aerator includes a bubble diffuser which can be a EPDM type
disc diffuser of nine or twelve in diameter membrane diffuser or an airstone
or any manner of diffuser tubing also known as diffuser line, de-icing hose
or bubbler line. While many systems can include a length of airline, often
100 feet, there is the self sinking weighted tubing variety of airline that
makes installation much easier. Standard airline will float and it is rare
that one of my clients will decide to buy regular poly plastic tubing instead
of the weighted tubing because it makes installation so much simpler. Still,
if saving money is a priority you should use floating airline available
for about 30 cents per foot at the local hardware store instead of self-sinking
tubing that costs from $1.15 TO $2.25 per foot.

For those of you who want to go beyond the solar direct system there exists
many retailers who specialize in solar pond systems that include deep cell
battery operated systems that can provide continuous aeration over 8 to
12 hours per day due to their deep cycle battery systems. Fundamentally
these solar pumps are the same but instead of operating only when sunlight
hits the solar panels they have the ability to charge deep cell batteries
during the sunny hours of the day and can operate the pump during times
when there is no light which is often preferable as aeration systems an
their best will function only during the evening hours when their is no
chance for aquatic plants to contribute oxygen due to photosynthesis.

**Note: You must accept that creating and building and setting up a solar
aeration system is a very very VERY complicated affair and while we are
offering the parts and instructions on how to build your system we cannot
provide ANY help or installation guides. If you wish to have a simple, turn-key
system then please contact someone else as we are unable to privide any
help beyond this list of products and parts. Any failure of the system to
function as expressed, implied or as desired is not gauranteed. Solar aeration
systems are a very touchy and persnickety project so if you wish to buy
or purchase from us then please do so at your own risk. We have provided
a list of parts and instructions but do not imply or warranty that this
will actually work!
Popular Battery Operated Pumps and Solar Pond Aerator CompressorsRead more about
solar aeration systems

Sunmotor
The Sunmotor company does a good job of designing and building systems.
Features of their construction Operates on solar panels or batteries
Simple, rugged components Long life, low maintenance Explosion-proof
rating available Custom designs upon request Applications Ventilation
Aeration Sparging Soil vapour extraction

Great small solar aeration systems for water gardens, small fish ponds or to have emergency back-up aeration in case the power goes off! Solar powered aeration systems are the ideal choice for remote ponds and lakes where power is not available, too expensive, or simply if you are in a windless a..

These high-quality solar-direct systems are designed for ponds up to two acres in size. The DC air compressor can handle depths up to 15' and will provide quality aeration during daylight hours when the sun is shining. These systems have no batteries making them a good choice where aeration is es..

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